General Biology I (BIOL 1306) Syllabus and Course Objectives Study Guide

General Biology I (BIOL 1306) Syllabus and Course Objectives

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational study of living organisms, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, life processes, evolution, classification, and cellular biology. It is designed for science majors and covers essential biological principles and skills necessary for further study in biology and related fields.

I. Catalog Description

• Fundamental principles of living organisms are studied, including physical and chemical properties, structure, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification.

• Topics include cytology (study of cells), genetics, reproduction, and scientific reasoning.

• Emphasis on scientific method and critical thinking.

• Prerequisite: Placement at college-level English.

II. Course Objectives

Unit I: The Study of Life

This unit introduces the characteristics of living organisms and the process of scientific inquiry in biology.

• Characteristics of living organisms: Organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, reproduction.

• Scientific method: Steps include observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

• Application of scientific reasoning: Use of evidence and logical analysis to solve biological problems.

• Development of communication skills: Presenting data, writing reports, and discussing findings.

• Critical thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions.

• Quantitative skills: Using mathematical approaches to interpret biological data.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in teams to solve problems and conduct experiments.

Unit II: Chemistry of Life

This unit explores the chemical basis of life, including the structure and function of biological molecules.

• Major molecules: Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids.

• Structure and function: How molecular structure determines biological function.

• Energy and thermodynamics: Concepts of energy flow and matter transformation in biological systems.

• Metabolic pathways: Series of chemical reactions in cells, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

• Equations:

  • Photosynthesis: $6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

  • Cellular Respiration: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy}$

Unit III: Genetics

This unit covers the principles of heredity, DNA structure, and genetic variation.

• DNA as hereditary material: Evidence and structure of DNA.

• Genetic information: How genetic information is stored and transmitted.

• Chromosomes: Structure and role in heredity.

• Cell cycle and gene formation: Differences between mitosis and meiosis.

• Mendelian genetics: Principles of inheritance, including segregation and independent assortment.

• Key terms: Genotype, phenotype, inheritance, dominance, recessiveness.

Unit IV: Molecular Genetics

This unit examines the molecular basis of genetics and the processes involved in gene expression and biotechnology.

• Central dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.

• Gene expression: Transcription and translation processes.

• Biotechnology applications: Genetic engineering, biomedical research, agriculture, bioinformatics.

Unit V: Evolution

This unit analyzes the theory of evolution by natural selection and the evidence supporting it.

• Theory of Evolution: Proposed by Charles Darwin; explains the diversity of life through natural selection.

• Evidence for evolution: Fossil record, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, biogeography.

III. THECB Learning Outcomes (ACGM)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the characteristics of life.

• Explain the methods of study used by scientists.

• Identify the major molecules of life and the properties of the major molecules needed for cell and organismal structure.

• Describe cell structure, organelles, and characteristics of viruses.

• Explain the movement of molecules and the movement of molecules across cell membranes.

• Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.

• Identify the principles of inheritance and discuss genetic problems.

• Describe the structure and function of plasma membrane, extracellular matrix, and cell to cell interactions.

• Discuss the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.

IV. Evaluation

• Pre-assessment: Not required.

• Grading Scale:

  Score (%)	Grade
  90–100	A
  80–89	B
  70–79	C
  60–69	D
  Below 60	F

V. Additional Policies and Support

• Disability Statement: Services available for students with documented disabilities.

• Drop Rule: Information on dropping courses and academic consequences.

• Title IX and Sex Discrimination: Policies to prevent discrimination and harassment.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the topics and skills covered in a General Biology I course for science majors, including foundational biological concepts, laboratory skills, and academic policies.